Last night, Wizkid’s long awaited London performance took place, and certainly did not disappoint. The 90 minute performance, which took place in a packed O2 Arena, featured iconic guests, vivid pyrotechnics and spectacular dance routines, reflected the artist’s growing relevance in the music industry.

 

Wizkid’s music incorporates elements R&B, hip-hop and reggae, which combine to create his very own Afrobeats sound. In the set, which sold out in an unbelievable 12 minutes, a broad range of music is served, from high-tempo club bangers such as Don’t Dull and Back to the Matter, to sombre ballads like Smile and Blessed. The upbeat section gave the concert a party feel, the audience reacting raucously, lifting the dome off the O2. It is clear that Wizkid’s oldest hits still bring about huge excitement. Later in the night, the concert took on a more subdued tone, as Wizkid paid tribute to the recently deceased fashion designer Virgil Abloh, ending it off with a stirring rendition of Smiled, which had themes of loving the living, reflecting Nigerian bereavement practices. Indeed, the whole night showed us the newfound prominence of African music in the West.

 

The O2 found itself packed with celebrities on the occasion: Ella Mai added stunning vocals to the passionate R&B track Piece of Me, which comes from his 2020 album Made in Lagos, while Nigerian singer Tems arrived to duet with Wizkid on the sensual Essence, his biggest single so far. This sumptuous combination of vocals delighted the audience, with their chemistry possibly providing the highlight of the night. Another huge star who appeared was rap legend Skepta, who brought verve to Longtime and Energy. One downside, however, was the cameo of Chris Brown, who was banned from the UK for 10 years after his 2009 assault conviction. Nevertheless, he was well received by the audience, despite his uninspiring performance.

 

In general, Wizkid’s London performance was a storming success, with good vibes and stunning visuals all round. He ended with Ojuelegba, a song in homage to his hometown of Lagos. The final shots of the bustling markets and sunny beaches of his home remind us of the new global reach of African music, reconnecting Western pop to its roots.